Jamshedpur FC is delighted to announce that they have signed the services of Komal Thatal on three-year contract ahead of the eighth season of the Hero Indian Super League. Thus, the 20-year old midfielder will stay with the club till May 2024, the club announced in an official statement on Friday.

“I am glad to take up the challenge of fighting for honours with Jamshedpur FC. It’s an amazing club with a lot of commitment towards football development,” Thatal said. “I know this is the step in the right direction for me. Under gaffer Owen Coyle’s guidance, I am looking to fight for success that the club and the fans crave so dearly.”

Thatal had impressed in the Under-19 2017 FIFA World Cup. The youngster had made his ISL debut for ATK Mohun Bagan against Jamshedpur FC. The midfielder played two seasons for the Kolkata-based club, as he played a total of 26 matches for the club, out of which 20 games came up in the ISL. He also scored a goal for the Mariners.

Komal started his football career in 2011 when he joined Namchi Sports Academy in Sikkim. Subsequently, he joined AIFF Elite Academy after impressing while playing for Namchi Sports Academy and then joined the U-17 India team which was preparing for the World Cup. Thatal made 31 appearances for India U-17 side and scored eight goals for the team.

“The way our system works needs fast, pacey players and young Komal fulfills our requirement. His flair in attack is something that would be helpful to us and his hunger to play and win gives him the X-factor,” Coyle said.

“He is one of the prodigies of Indian football like Boris, Narender, Moba and Jitu, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Jamshedpur FC had finished at the sixth place in the previous season of the ISL as they had won seven matches out of the 20 they played. Thus, they could not qualify for the semi-final stages.